• Group stage gets underway on September 8
• Red Devils won the competition back in 2017
• Gunners back in Europe after 12-month absence

 WHAT OCCURED?

While Mikel Arteta will command his team into a continental conflict against Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich in Group A, Erik ten Hag’s team will also line up against Sheriff and Omonoia in Group E. Roma, led by Jose Mourinho, who won the Europa League last year, has been assigned to Group C alongside Ludogorets, Real Betis, and HJK Helsinki.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mourinho led Manchester United to their most recent trophy win in the Europa League in 2016–17. Arsenal completely missed out on playing on the continent last year, but they are back in a competition they advanced to the final of in 2019.

Beginning on September 8, the group stage of the 2022–23 Europa League will continue for six matchdays until November 3. The knockout rounds start in February 2023, with the championship match scheduled for May 31 at Budapest’s Puskas Arena.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

DID YOU KNOW?

 Manchester United have never previously faced a Moldovan opponent in European competition before. The only English club to do so, in fact, is Spurs, who faced Zimbru Chisinau in the 1999-00 UEFA Cup and Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2013-14 Europa League.

Arsenal have won all six of their previous European meetings with Swiss opponents; it’s the most they’ve ever faced sides from a particular nation in Europe while winning 100% of their matches.

THE VERDICT:

Here is what the full draw looks like…

Old rivalry rekindled…

WHAT NEXT? Top-four finishes may be the priority for United and Arsenal in 2022-23, but both clubs are aware of the need to deliver tangible success and major silverware in the current campaign – with an alternative route to Champions League qualification available to them.